Full-swing crane



April 6, 1937. F. G. MANLY FULL SWING CRANE Filed July 10, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 V5 17 Gr W I t ===========EEEEEE==E 1 w I I April 6, 1937. F. G. MANLY FULL SWING CRANE Filed July 10, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 6, 1937.

F. G. MANLY FULL S'WING CRANE Filed July 16, 1935 April 6, 1937. MANLY 2,@75,$19

FULL SWING CRANE Filed July 10, 1935 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 April 6, 1937. F, MANLY 2,075,819

FULL SWING CRANE Filed July 10, 1935 TSheets-Sheet 5 I VEIVZAIF 178d 0 April6,1937. F MANLY 2,075,819

FULL SWING CRANE Filed July 10, 1935 7 SheetsSheet 6 Q WW April 6, 1937. MANLY 2,075,819

FULL SWING CRANE Filed July 10, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Ig ME fif i Jzz Patented Apr. (i /219 37 omen STATES PATENT OFFICE Y 9 Claims.

The present invention relates to a full-swing crane, and more particularly to one which is adaptedvto be mounted on an automotive vehicle, for instance, a tractor, so constructed and operated that the crane may be swung, the boom lifted or lowered, while the tractor is moving, as well as when the tractor is at rest.

The invention relates also to a novel control for a full-swing crane, for operating the boom 1 movement and also the' winches or'drums for the load cables, which control is effective and operative through the axis of rotation of the turntable, and which control may be a fluid control or a mechanical control. 15 The present invention is directed more particularly to a small, sturdy crane adapted to be mounted -on a tractor, ,and movable with the tractor, for utility work of all kinds. The crane of thepresent invention is so cohstructed that it may be fully operated while the a tractor is moving; that is to say, the turntable may be rotated through any angulardistance,

the boom raised or lowered, and the load line winches operated while the tractoris in motion,

a feature which has been impossible'with movable cranes, as heretofore designed.

Movable 'type swinging cranes have heretofore been constructed, of such character that the winches or drums for the cableshave been mounted below the turntable, thus causing twist ing of the cables as the turntable is swung. This construction necessarily-limits the angular range of movement of the turntable, and thus limits the eiiectiveness of the crane as a whole. Any twisting of the cables is detrimental to the longevity of the cables; as well as the usefulness of the crane.

The present invention has to do with a control mechanism for a portable swinging crane wheretation of the turntable, so that the crane may be rotated any angular amount about its pivot.

An object of the present invention is to provide a portable swinging .crane to be fully operated while being moved intravel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control mechanism for a portable swinging crane wherein the operation of the. crane is controlled through the axis for rotation of the crane turntable.

Another object of the present invention is to provide novel control means for a swinging crane.

A further object of the present invention is to provide controlmechanism for a swinging crane,

in the control mechanism for operating the boom in which the crane is mounted as a whole on an auxiliary frame, which frame, in turn, may be readily applied to a'tractor and operated from the engine or the tractor. The control means for the crane structure are carried by the crane structure itself, and constitute a part of the unitary construction on the apparatus.

The above, other r d further objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present invention, and the views, thereof are as. follows: I

Figure 1 is an elevational view of one form of swinging crane, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, showing it mounted on an auxiliary frame for attachment to a tractor.

' Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmental view, partially in elevation and partially in section through .the axis of the turntable, showing certain details of construction.

Figure 3 is a fragmental view, partially in plan and partially in section, of the drive mechanism forutilizing the engine of a tractor for operating the crane of the present invention.

, Figure 4 is a view, partially in elevation and partially in section, taken substantially on the plane indicated by line IV-IV of Figure 5, showing the preferred mechanism for operating the of the controller units of the fluid control system.

Figure}! is a vertical sectional view through that portion of the fluid control apparatus which extends through the axis of rotation of the turntable.

weight and a slightly different arrangement of parts on the turntable, from that illustrated in Figure 1. Y

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing the mechanical control means, effective through the axis of rotation of the turntable, for operating the winches on the table.

Figure 13 is a top plan view, with certain parts fragmentarily shown, and'other parts in section, of a turntable employed with the type of control illustrated in Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a fragmental elevational view, with parts in section, through the axis of the turntable, showing certain details of the mechanical control system.

Figure 15 is a fragmental axial sectional view through one form of stem extending axially through the axis of rotation of the turntable, for mechanically operating the winches on the-table.

Figure, 16 is an elevational view of another form of such stem mechanism Figure 17 is a view in axial section showing a still further modification of operating stem.

Figure 18 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially in the plane indicated by line XVIII-XVIII of Figure 15.

Figure 19 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially in the plane indicated by line XIX XIX of-Figure 16.

Figure 20 is a View similar to Figures 15 and 17,

showing a still further modification of control stem.

Figure 21 is a fragmental elevational view of one means for connectingan actuator to one of the stems of the form of mechanical control means of the present invention.

The drawings will now be explained.

Figure 11 illustrates a gasoline tractor A of typical form which has applied to it a swinging crane constructed in accordance with th e principlesof the present invention.

For supporting a crane on such a tractor A, an auxiliary or sub-frame B is provided which, in the present instance, is illustrated as consisting of two side members of structural shape, each bent to provide a horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion 2. The lower extremities of the portions 2 are riveted or bolted to the tractor frame adjacent the driving wheels, while the front ends of the horizontal portions l are fastened by riveting, welding, or bolting, to an upstanding plate 3, .or equivalent structural member, disposed adjacent the radiator of the tractor. v

Referring to the crane illustrated in Figures 1 to 10, inclusive, there is, suitably secured to the sub-frame B, a horizontally disposed base plate 4, which may be made in the form of a forging or casting, and which is provided with a centrally V disposed upstanding hub 5.

The turntable comprises a bull wheel D, having a flat web 6, in which is centrally formed a depending hub I, in axial alignment with the hub 5 of the plate 4. "The periphery of the bull wheel is provided with gear teeth 8 for meshing with a driving pinion 9 for rotating the table. To the underside of the bull wheel are secured by casting or otherwise, lugs Ill, which support rollers 7 so that the bull wheel may be rotated about its axis and supported on the plate 4 by means of the rollers in engagement with track |2 on the plate. The track or runway l2, for the rollers II, is secured to the plate 4, in any suitable manner.

The hull wheel D is preferably formed as 3.

casting and carries on the upper face of its web 6 thereof, upstanding legs l3, l4, l5 and I6 which have bearing members respectively, constituting parts of the legs. Thebull wheel also has integrally formed with it a pair of upstanding lugs Hi to which is pivotally attached, as by means of a. pivot bolt l9, a."boom C.

Also secured to the web 6 of the bull wheel are upstanding frame members 2|) which are connected at their upper ends by means of a bar 2|, which bar also serves to connect the upper ends of diagonal'struts 22 with the uprights 20. The lower ends of the struts 22 are secured to the pivot bolt IS. The uprights 20 and the struts 22, therefore, constitute a frame structure on the bull wheel for supporting certain of the instrumentalities of the crane structure.

Suitably secured to the upright members 20 is a box structure, designated generally at 23, which extends from the uprights 20 in a direction opposite from the boom C. This box structure is for the purpose'of receiving heavy weights,

, such as pig iron, bags of sand, or the like, which constitutes acounter weight to counterbalance the weight of the boom C and any ldad that may be suspended from it.

The uprights 20 are preferably secured to the web 6 of the bull wheel by means of upstanding lugs 24 integrally cast with the bull wheel.

The uprights 20 support a shaft 25 on which two winches E and F (Fig. 10) are freely rotatably mounted.

Supported on the shaft 25, adjacent the outer ends of the winches are gears 26 and 21 respectively. Clutch mechanisms, designated generally at 28 and 29, respectively, are provided for selectively'connectingthe gears 26 and 21 in driving relation with their winches E and F. The inner-or abutting ends of the winches are provided with grooved pulleys 3|) and 3|, each of which is fastened to its winch, and in which pulleys are cables 32 and 33, respectively, constituting parts of brake mechanisms for the winches.

Supported in the bearings ll of the legs I3 and- I4 of the bull wheel, is a stub shaft 34 which carries a pinion 35, intermediate the legs, in mesh with the gear 26 of the winch E. The stub shaft 34 also carries, at its end, adjacent the axis of rotation of the bull wheel, a bevel gear 36. In like manner the legs l5 and I6 support a stub shaft 31 on which is a pinion 38 in mesh with the gear 21 of the winch F. A bevel gear 39 is secured to the stub shaft 31 at its end adjacent the axis of rotation of the bull wheel D.

Extending vertically axially through ,the hubs 5 and 1 of the plate 4 and bull wheel D respec- 1 tively, is a hollow shaft 40. Keyed to this hollow shaft at its upper end is a bevel gear 4| in mesh with the bevel gears":36 and 39. At the lower end of. the hollow shaft 41! is a bevel gear 4| keyed to the shaft. A bracket 42 attached to the under surface of the plate 4, serves to support the gear 4| and the hollow shaft 40 in position.

The mechanism for utilizing the power of the tractor engine, for operating the crane of the present invention, is illustrated in Fig. 3.

Referring to Fig. 3, it may be observed that along the inner face of oneof the frame members of the auxiliary frame B, is a jack shaft'43, parallel to the frame member, and supported in journals 44 and 45. Another journal 45 supports the end of the shaft 43 adjacent the plate 3, that is, adjacent the .front end of the tractor.

The crankshaft of the tractor engine is shown as extended at 41 where it is provided with a 43, for rotating the shaft 43 as desired. Suitable clutch mechanism, not shown, may be interposed between the crank Shaft extension 41, and

its sprocket wheel, for rotating the shaft 43 at will.

On the shaft 43, and adjacent the longitudinal length of the sub-frame B and in line with the axis of rotation of the turntable D, are bevel gears 49 and 59 meshed with a bevel gear 5I on a cross shaft 52, which is supported from the under side of the plate 4, by suitable journals 53. The cross shaft 52 carries a bevel gear 54 meshed with the gear M at the lower end of the hollow shaft 49 of the turntable. The gears 49 and 59 are selectively connected in driving relation with the shaft 43 by means of clutch members 55 and 56, of well known form.

Rearwardly of the cross shaft 52 is a second cross shaft 51 supported in journals 58 depend- I ing from the plate 4. Thejack shaft 43 is provided with bevel gears 59 and 69, freely rotatable on the jack shaft and meshed with a bevel gear 6I keyed to the shaft 51. The bevel gears 59 and 69 are selectively connected in driving relation with the jack shaft 43 by means of friction clutches, indicated generally at 62 and 63 respec tively. I The other end of theshaft 51 is provided with a bevel gear 64 meshed with a bevel gear I55 keyed to a vertical shaft 69 to which is keyed the driving pinion 9 for the turntable D.

Supported on the bar or shaft 2| of the frame structure is a winch G provided for the purpose of raising and lowering the boom C. The winches E and F are utilized for operating the lifting cablesfi'l and 68.

Fastened to the winch G is a worm wheel 69 in mesh with a worm 19 secured to a shaft supported in a journal II of the frame structure. A bevel gear I2 on this shaft meshes with a bevel gear I3 keyed to shaft I4, extending transversely between the-frame members. The shaft I4 is supported in journals I5 formed in the uprights 29 Ill) of the frame structure, and carries a pinion "IS in mesh with the gear 21 of the winch F. Suitable clutch mechanism 11 is provided to connect the pinion I6 in driving relation with the shaft I4, or to disconnect it from such relationship. The worm I9 and worm Wheel 69 are-so intermeshed as to preventretrograde rotation of the worm wheel 69 by reason of any weight transmitted to the winch G from the boom C. In other words, there is looking relationship between the worm and worm wheel, thus eliminating the need for a brake for the winch G. The clutch I1 is operated by a mechanism to be later described.

The winches E, F and G are operated by means of a fluid control system which will now be described.

For actuating the clutch mechanisms 29 and 29, to connect the gears 26 and 21 in driving relation with their respective winches E and F,

each clutch mechanism is actuated by means i of a crank I9, connected tothe clutch mechanism, which in turn is operated by a. rod I9 which enters a fluid cylinder 89 and constitutes a piston rod. On the end of the rod within the cylinder is a piston 8| (Fig.6). There is a cylinder 89 for each of the clutch mechanisms 28 and 29, which function in a similar manner, so that the description of one will suffice. Within the cylinder 89, between the piston BI and the head 82 through which the piston rod I9 passes, is interposed a spring 83, the function of which is to urge the piston in a direction away from the head 92 of the cylinder. The brake cables 32 and 33 are actuated by a brake mechanism as follows.

A fluid cylinder 84 contains a piston 85 on a piston rod 89 which passes through a head 9'! and is connected at its end to a link 88. To the link 89 are attached the ends of a cable 32, or 33,

der 84 it occupies the space between the piston 85 and the end of the cylinder remote from the head 81. In the cylinder 94 is a spring 89 between the head ill and the piston tending to urge the piston away from said head.

A similar brake cylinder 99 is provided for ac tuating the brakes of the winch F. The cylinder 99 is constructed and operates in all respects in the same manner as the cylinder just mentioned. For controlling the operation of the clutch and brake cylinders 89, 94 and 99, and also for controlling the fiuid cylinder which actuates the clutch I? of the boom winch mechanism, a novel structure, such as that illustrated in Figures 6, 8 and 9, and as in position in Fig. 2, is provided.

This structure includes a cylindrical member 9I lying within the hollow shaft 49 and provided at its upperend with a head 92 which, in axial section, is in the form of a truncated cone, with the convergence upwardly from the part 9|. The cone 92 is housed within a cap 93 having tight engagement with the surface of the conical head 92 to prevent fluid escape, which head on its exterior is provided with a series of lands 94, 95, 96, 91 and 99. v I

The surface of the conical head 92 is provided with a series of parallel grooves 99, I99, I9], I92 and I93. These grooves aredisposed preferably in substantially horizontal alignment with the lands just mentioned.

Inasmuch as there are five fluid cylinders illustrated in connection with the fluid control system of this form of the invention, the cylindrical member 9I is provided axially thereof with five ducts I94, I95, I96, I91 and I98, distributed through it, and a central duct I99. Within the conical head 92 horizontal portions, such as shown at III9, III (Fig. 8) afford communication between the several of the ducts and the corresponding grooves in the face of the head 92. Thus, for instance, Figure 8 shows the duct I94 in communication with the lowermost groove. 99 of the head, and the duct I96 in communication with the groove I99 next above it. Fluid passing through the duct I94 enters the groove 99 whilev groove I99 is a pipe H3 in communication with the brake cylinder 84, as shown in Fig. 6. Similar pipes communicate through the other lands of the cap with the other of the clutch cylinders 80, the other brake cylinder 80 and the cylinder II4 (Fig. 1) which actuate the clutch 11 of the winch G.

The cap 63 is maintained in tight engagement with the head 92 by means of a spring 115 surrounding a pipe II6 threaded into the upper end of the central bore I and retained under compression by means of a washer II! and nuts H8 and H9 which are threaded on the pipe to properly tension the spring against the cap 93.

The member 3| extends downwardly below the plate 4 through the shaft 40, below the bevel gear M and at its lower end is provided with a cap I20 held in position by means of a pipe I2I threaded into the lower extremity of the central bore I09, which receives a nut I22 for maintaining the head I20 in operative relationship against the lower end of the member 9|. The lower head I20 is provided with a plurality of individual ducts or passages two of which are shown at I23 and I24, which afford communication with the I passage I23 and one end of a control cylinder I26 (Fig. 6). fluid communication between the passage I24 and the opposite end of the control cylinder I26.

It will thus be observed that the control cylinder I26 isfefiective to cause movement of the pis tons in the cylinders 80 and 84,, that is the cylinder 80 which controls the clutch mechanism for the winch E and the brake mechanism for the same winch.

One end of the cylinder I26 is closed by a head I28 through which passes a rod I29 connected at its inner end to a double piston I30 and its outer end to an operating lever I3I. In neutral position, that is with the clutch disengaged and the brake off, the double piston I30 is substantially at mid-length of the cylinder I26, as may be observed in Fig. 6. There is another. cylinder, similar to I26, provided for the operation of the clutch mechanism of winch Ftand the operation of its brake cylinder 90.

For actuating the cylinder II4 of the boom winch G, a control cylinder, constructed like cylinder 84 or 80, is provided and operated by a similar control lever I3I. The control cylinder for this winch is a single acting'cylinder, in contradistinction to\the cylinders I26 which are double acting. The three control cylinders I26, I26 and I26a, for the winch G, are mounted on the sub-frame B adjacent the drivers seat of the tractor, which may be observed in Fig. l. The control lever I3I, of Fig. 1, is shown in neutral position, that is, the position of the parts as shown in Fig. 6.

The several cylinders 80, 85 and I26 as well as the several ducts and conduits are filled with fluid so that as any of the pistons is actuated, amovement of the fluid results.

According-to Fig. 6, suppose, for instance, it is desired to connect the winch E in driving relation with its gear 26. The control lever I3I would then be swung to move the piston I30 to the left, as viewed in Fig. 6, which would thus force fluid through the conduit I25, duct I04 in the member 20 and into the cylinder 80 to move its piston 8I to the right, thus swinging the link I8 in counter-clockwise direction which would thereupon manipulate the clutch 28 to A similar flexible conduit I2I affords eifect driving relationship between the gear. 26

and the winch E. Such movement of the piston I30, in the cylinder I26,'would tend to draw fluid from the cylinder 84 thus assuring full release of the brake for the winch E. When the winch has been rotated to secure the desired result, the control lever I3I is swung in the opposite direction whereupon fluid is forced into the cylinder 84 to move its piston 85 to the left, thus clamping the cable 32 about the winch E to brake it and at the same time fluid is withdrawn from the cylinder 80 to release the clutch.

Operation of the clutch cylinder and brake cylinder for the winch F is effected in the same manner.

Inasmuch as the worm I0 and worm gear 68 constitute a self-locking arrangement, there is no need for brake means for the winch G. Therefore, the control cylinder for actuating the clutch Il may be a single acting clutch, of the type shown as 84 or 80. In such event movement of the control lever for the cylinder I26a would move the fluid in a direction to cause 'engage ment of the clutch 11 so that rotation of the shaft I4 by the pinion I6 is accomplished. This clutch is held in position by latching the control lever for this particular cylinder in its proper notch of the segment until its winch has been rotated sufliciently in its then direction of rotation. When it has completed its proper number of revolutions, the control lever is moved back to neutral position whereupon the winch comes to I rest and is locked in that position. I

The function of the springs 83 and 89, in the.

cylinders 80, 84 and 00 is to urge the pistons in such direction as to force fluid out of the cylinders when the control levers are actuated in a direction to release the clutches and brakes.

There are two winches E and F illustrated for operating the load lines 61 and 68. One of these winches may be used for operating one of the cables as a lifting line and the other winch operated to actuate the other cable as a holding line, where two cables are employed, such, for instance, with a clam shell bucket. If only one line is being used, then of course, but one of the winches will be utilized in the operation of the crane.

Reverse movement of the winches E and F is accomplished by actuation of either of the clutches 55 or 56 on the jack shaft 43 to couple the shaft 52 in driving relation with the jack shaft to effect the desired rotation of the winches.

Reversal of rotative movement of the'winch G is accomplished by actuation of either of the friction clutches 62 or 63 to connect the shaft 51 in proper driving relation with the jack shaft 43. The jack shaft 43 being driven from the crank shaft of the engine, rotates in the same direction, so that suitable means, such as those or more than 360, without in any manner hampering the action of the several cables for raising or lowering the boom and for raising or lowering the load. Inasmuch as the winches and 5 their control mechanismsare all supported on or by the turntable this axial control arrangement of the present invention is made possible.

Referring to Figures 11 to 21 inclusive, these have reference to a mechanical control system l which also'is effective through the axis of rotation of the turntable of the crane.

In this form of the invention there is utilized a stem designated generally at H in Figs. 12 and 14, which stem extends through the hollow shaft 15 40, as heretofore described. In this form of the invention, the various clutches and brakes are operated by linkage, movement of which is effected by making the stem H of several relatively movable parts and separately connecting 20 these parts to various linkages as will now be described.

The form of stem H illustrated in Figure 12 is shown in greater detail in Fig. 15 and includes three parts I32 and I33, as the outer parts, and

25 I34 as an inner or intermediate part. Fig. 18-

shows these parts in section.

Welded to the part I33 is a collar I35, a collar I36 is welded to the other outer part I32 while a collar I31 is welded to the inner or intermediate winches Kand L for actuating the load lines, 61

and 68 and a boom winch M. The winch K is rotated through a suitable clutch mechanism I38 whichconnects its gear I39 in driving relation 40 with the winch. The winch L is connected by its clutch mechanism I40 with its gear MI in similar driving relation when the clutch is actuated. The gears I39 and MI are rotated by pinions 35a. and

. 38a, operating as described with reference to 45 pinions 35 and 38 of the first described form of the invention.

The clutch mechanism for the boom winch M is actuated by appropriate linkage mechanism.

Referring to Figures 13 and 14, plates I42 and 50 I43 are secured to the bearings for the stub shafts carrying the pinions 35a. and 38a. and support a two-part oscillating shaft I44. On the shaft I44 is an oscillatable sleeve I45 having one arm I46 extended, with its ends bifurcated to enter the 55 collar I31 of the stem H, to be rocked as the intermediate part I34 of the stem is moved. Integral with the sleeve I45 is another arm I41 pivoted at I48 to a link I49 which extends underneath the winches, as is shown in full lines in Fig. 13 and 60 connected at its other end to one arm of a bell crank I50 pivoted at II to a standard cast as a part of the turntable. The other arm of the bell crank is pivoted to a link I53 which extends upwardly to actuate the clutch for the boom 65 winch'M. I g

The clutch I 40 is actuated by linkage mechanism which includes an arm I53 pinned to a part of the two-sectionshaft I44 and with its other end bifurcated to engage the lowermost collar 70 I35 of the stem H. Integral with the arm I53 is a crank I54 which is pivoted at I55 to a link I56, the other end of which is pivoted to a crank I51 connected to a rock shaft I58. The rock shaft I58 is supported in. the plate I42 and an- 75 other plate I59, outwardly of which is a crank I60 connected to a link I6l which is at its other end connected to a link of the clutch mechanism I40 for actuating it. Thus as the lower collar I35 is raised, the clutch I40 connects the gear I4I to its winch L. I 5

The clutch mechanism I38 for the winch K is operated in a similar manner, and by similar linkage mechanism arranged in reverse order, as may be observed in Fig. 13, This linkage is actuated by the middle collar I36 of Fig. 15.

.For imparting movement to the sections I32,

- I33 and I34 of the stem H, of the form described,

control levers I59 are provided. Figure 14 illustrates one such lever pivoted at 60 to a suitable support IOI, formed asa part of the sub-frame B of the crane apparatus. The lever I59.is connected by a link I62 to a bell crank I63 pivoted at I64 to a suitable supporting bracket I65 and by means of alink I56 is connected to one of the sections of the stem. The other sections of the stem are provided with other control levers in a similar manner. The position of the lever I59 of Figure 14 shows the part in neutral position, that is. with the clutches disengaged.

The stems illustrated in Figures 16, 1'7 and 20 operate in the same manner as described with prise three segmental parts, I61, I68 and I69 substantially 120 in extent, shaped and interfitting as shown in Fig. 19. The lowermost collar is welded to the part I61, the next collar is welded to the part I68, and the uppermost collar is welded to the part I69. The form of stem shown in Fig. 1'1 consists of a rod I10 carrying at its end the upper collar "I, a sleeve I12 carrying the intermediate collar I13 and a second sleeve I14 surrounding the sleeve I12 and carrying the lowermost collar I15.

The form of stem illustrated in Figure 20 includes a rod I10 havingv its upper end reduced and provided with a collar I11. having oppositely disposed trunnions I18 on it for engagement with slots I19 in a link I80, which may be substituted for the arms illustrated in Figure 14. The collar 111 is retained in position on the rod I16 by means of nuts I8I engaging the threaded extremity of the rod. Surrounding the rod I16 is a sleeve I8I having its upper end reduced to receive a like collar I82 also provided with trunnions I83 and retained in position by nuts I84. Surrounding the sleeve IN is a second sleeve I85 carrying a head I86 provided with trunnion I81 held in position by nuts I88 threaded into the upper end of the sleeve I05.

The lower ends of the several sections of the stems illustrated in figures 16, 1'1 and 20 are connected, by suitable means, to the operating levers I59 for actuation in the manner described with reference to the stems shown in Figs. 12 and 15. I

It will be observed that the form of control mechanism, that is the mechanical control systern, illustrated in Figs. 12 to 21 inclusive, is efiective through the axis of rotation of the turntable so that all of the control of the winches on the turntable may be effected irrespective of the extent of angular movement of the turntable.

Figure 11 illustrates the position of the several control levers I59 with respect to the driver's seat of the tractor. l

Rotation of the winches, of this form of the invention, may be accomplished by driving /jfi trated in Fig. 3, or, may use a planetary system 5 of gearing in which event driving power may be taken from the transmission of the tractor.

through a drivesha-ft I89 (Fig. 11) sprocket I90,

sprocket chain NH and a sprocket wheel I92 suitably connected to the planetary gear system 10 of the turntable or crane'structure.

It will be observed that the forms of the invention herein illustrated and described, are effective to control operation of the crane, through the axis of rotation of the turntable. Because 15 of the novel control system here described, it is possible to actuate the crane when the tractor is moving as well as when it is at rest, as there is nothing to interfere with the operation of the crane by movement of the tractor or movement of the tractor by operation of the crane. The provision of counter-balance means for the boom and its supported load prevents capsizing of the tractor even when the boom is swung at right angles to the axis or length of the tractor. Instead of using hand levers for the control cylinders, a driven pump may be used for moving the fluid in the control system. Such pump might be an air pump, for pressure or vacuum, or one using water, oil, or the like.

Suitable bands may be employed for the cables 32 and 33 of the brake mechanism.

Duct I09, through the member 9| may be utilized to receive electric leads, whenever a magnet is suspended from the boom. In such event, a suitable generator would be mounted on the sub-frame B for supply of electric current.

The duct might be used as a conduit for oil or air supply to a reservoir, on the turntable.

Band brakes, operated by the clutch linkage, for the winches K and L may be employed. Such would be similar to that described with reference 'to winches E and F.

The counterweights of the apparatus of the 5 present invention are so arranged as not to swing over the head of the tractor operator while seated in the operators seat on the tractor.

The invention has been described herein more or less precisely as to details, yet it is to be under- 50 stood that the invention is not to be limited thereby, as changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A combined tractor and swinging crane construction, including a gasoline driven tractor having a seat for a driver; a crane structure on said tractor having a turntable adapted for swinging movement about a vertical axis; a boom 60 pivoted to said table; a boom cable; winch and cable mechanisms on said table for raising and lowering the boom; winch mechanism on said tablefor actuating the boom cable; brake means on said table for braking said winch mecha- 65 nlsms; drive means on said table for driving said winch mechanisms; said driving means including clutch means; means supported on said table for operating said clutch means and brake means; manually operable manipulating means disposed 70 adjacent the drivers seat; and connections between said manually operable means and said operating means on-said table, passing through the axis of rotation of said table to enable complete operation of the tractor, turntable, boom 75 and winches by the tractor driver.

2. In a swinging crane having a rotatable turn tableand a boom operating mechanism on said table, winch mechanism on said table, means including clutch means for driving said winch means, fluid pressure operating means on said table for actuating said clutch means, brake means on said table for braking said winch means, fluid pressure operating means on said table for operating said brake means, manual control means for said fluid pressure operating means on said base, and fluid connections between said control means and operating means extending through the axis of rotation of the table, said connections including movable parts whereby rotative movement of the table will not disturb fluid communication between the control and operating means.

3. A combined tractor and swinging crane construction, including a gasoline driven tractor having a seat for a driver; a crane structure on said tractor having a turntable adapted for swinging movement about a vertical axis; a boom pivoted to said table; a boom cable; winch and cable mechanisms on said table for raising and lowering the boom; winch mechanism on said table for actuating the boom cable; brake means on said table for braking said winch mechanisms; drive means on said table for driving said winch mechanisms; said driving means including clutch means; means supported on said table for operating said clutch and brake means; manually operable manipulating means disposed adjacent the drivers seat; and mechanical relatively shiftable members including shiftable parts passing through'the axis of rotation of said table, connecting said manually operable manipulating means adjacent the drivers seat with the means on said turntable for selectively operating said clutch means and said brake means, toenable complete operation of the turntable, boom, winch and tractor by the tractor driver.

4. In combination; a tractor having a drivers seat from which the tractor driver controls the movement of the tractor and crane; a swing crane mounted on said tractor; said crane including a turntable, winches on said turntable for effecting boom and load movements, gear means for operating said winches, clutch means for connecting any gear means in driving relation with its winch; manually operable manipulating means disposed adjacent the drivers seat; and linkage mechanism including relatively shiftable members including parts passing through the axis of rotation of the turntable connecting said manipulating means with said clutch means for selectively operating the same to enable complete operation of the turntable, boom, winches and tractor by the tractor driver.

5. In combination, a tractor, a swing crane mounted on said tractor, said crane including a turntable, winches on said'turntable for effecting boom and'loadmovements, gear means for operating said winches, clutch means for connecting any gear means in driving relation withits winch, fluid pressure responsive means for selectively actuating'said clutches, a member having a plurality of passages in it extending through the axis of rotation of said turntable, said member having a head above said turntable with outrelatively lets therefrom and communicating with said trol cylinders mounted on said crane and having communication with said member below said turntable for selectively actuating any of said fluid pressure'responsive means through the axis of rotation of said turntable for actuating its associated clutch.-

6. In combination, a tractor, a swing crane mounted on said tractor; said crane including a turntable,-winches on said turntable for effecting boom and load movements, gear means for operating said winches, clutch means for connecting any gear means in driving relation with its winch,

brake means for said winches, fluid pressure-responsive means for selectively actuating said clutches and said brake means, a member having a plurality of passages through it extending through the axis of rotation of said turntable, said member having a head above said table with outlets therefrom in communication with said several passages and with respective fluid pressure responsive means for said several clutches and brakes, and manually operable control cylinders mounted on said crane frame and having communication with said member passages below said turntable for selectively actuating any of said fluid pressure means for operating said clutches and brakes.

7. In combination, a tractor, a swing crane mounted on said tractor, said crane including a turntable, winches on said turntable for effecting boom and load movements, gear means for operating said winches, clutch means for connecting any gear means in driving relation with its winch, brake means for said winches, fluid pressure responsive means for selectively actuating said clutches and said brake means, a member having a plurality of passages through it extending through the axis of rotation of said turntable, said member having a head above said 4 tablewith outlets therefrom in communication with said several passages and with respective fluid pressure responsive means for said several clutches and brakes, and fluid pressure creating means having communication with said member passages below said turntable for selectively actuating any of said fluid pressure responsive means for operating said clutches and brakes.

8. In combination, a road vehicle such as a tractor, a full swing crane mounted on said tractor and operable by the tractor operator, said crane including a base supported by said tractor, a turntable mounted on said base to swingthrough any angular distance to 360" or more, a boom supported on said turntable to pivot about a horizontal axis, winch and cable means on said turntable for operating said boom and its supported load, connections between said tractor drive and the table axis for swinging said table, said connections being operative to swing said table while the tractor is in motion as well as at rest, mechanisms on said table for operating and braking said winch operating means, control means on said base disposed conveniently for operation thereof by the tractor operator while in his seat, and operative connections between said control means and said winch operating means passing axially through the axis of rotation of the table and effective for selectively operating any of said winch operating means and table swing, the position of the winch means on the table above said base enabling full swing movement of the table and boom without limitation asto the extent of angular swing and without twisting of the boom and load cables.

9. In -a device for operating mechanisms mounted on a turntable and controllable from a point remote from the table and operative through the axis of rotation of the table, comprising relatively axially shiftable members extending through the axis of rotation of the table to points above and below said table, connections above the table between said shiftable members and the mechanisms on the turntable for actuating the same, connections below the table to mentioned connections.

FRED G. MANLY. 

